SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Master of Arts in History

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
100853	Master of Arts in History
ORIGINATOR
North West University
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Master's Degree	Field 07 - Human and Social Studies		Traditions, History and Legacies
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	180	Not Applicable	NQF Level 09	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2021-07-01	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with advanced knowledge, analytical and interpersonal skills, effective oral and written communication skills, and problem-solving skills in their chosen field to become independent and self-motivated thinkers and researchers. These learners will be able to research current and realistic problems pertaining to the field of history and thus provide South Africa with researchers who are capable of contributing to the production and advancement of knowledge in the field of Historical Studies. This will ensure that the local research leadership and scholarly activity is widened. This qualification will empower students to study further towards a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree.

Rationale:
The rationale behind this qualification is to empower the student to acquire research skills that could be applied broadly in the human and social sciences. Such research skills would enable the learner to do a doctoral study in History, and, among others, teach in a tertiary educational institution, be a researcher in a research institution, be a Museum Curator, or work for the Department of Land Affairs, which needs skilled researchers to investigate land claims requiring research skills, especially in History.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for access purposes will require the candidate to comply with the admission requirements of the institution. The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-oriented, source-based and lifelong learning in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a meaningful role.

The institution also underwrites the view that recognition of previous learning, obtained either by formal teaching programmes at this or another institution, or informally (obtained by experience), is an indispensable element in granting admission or credits with the aim of placing in a specifically chosen teaching-learning programme of the institution. In recognising previous learning, it deals with provable knowledge and learning that the applicant obtained by following formal teaching programmes or by experience. At all times the question will be what level of competence was reached, judged in the context of the exit level skills required for the contemplated teaching-learning programmes (or modules therein) or status for which the applicant is applying and not merely about the experience the applicant can prove. Recognition of previous learning takes place in terms of the relevant skills that the applicant demonstrated in the application with reference to the exit outcomes that should be reached in the chosen programme.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement is:

Bachelor of Arts Honours in History.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of a dissertation module at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Module:

Dissertation (HIST871), 180 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and advanced competencies in the identification of a viable research question that can be researched individually or within a group, both discipline-specific or interdisciplinary.
2. Design and apply appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative formats and procedures in an ethical and scientific way to investigate the problem.
3. Interpret and report the research findings scientifically and communicate the findings in writing in accordance with academic protocols, and also orally with the aid of Information Technology (IT), to an audience of academic peers.
4. Analyse case studies of human resource management and other problems, including the impact on business enterprises.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be applied in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:

Show and understanding of systematic and integrated knowledge and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.

Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as in technology.

Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.

Show professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.

Effectively function as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

Critically reflect on, and show understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.

Integrated Assessment:
Assessment of a Master's dissertation initially takes place when the research proposal is considered by the Committee for Advanced Degrees. Approval by this committee is a requirement for the study. The supervisor also assesses continuously while the dissertation is being written. Examination of the dissertation is finally done by at least two examiners of which one is external, all experts in the field of specialization. A supervisor may not be appointed as an examiner.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This Master's qualification is comparable to similar qualifications from around the world with regard to outcomes and assessment criteria, the depth and complexity involved in the study process and with due regard to notional study time. To ensure international comparability, the Level Descriptors of Level 9 were bench-marked against the standards and norms contained in the qualifications frameworks developed for countries around the world.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows for vertical and horizontal articulation.
Vertical Articulation:

Doctor of Philosophy in History.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

1.	North West University